Next Stop: Global Adventure

The Disney Dining Plan is a good deal even if you have to pay for it.  When you get it FREE--of course that's even better!

Disney just released this promotion today:  book at least 3 nights in a Disney Moderate Resort (e.g. Port Orleans, Coronado Springs) and receive the Disney Dining Plan FREE for all guests!  Travel between August 15th and October 2nd, 2010.

The Disney Dining Plan includes 1 Quick Service Meal, 1 Table Service Meal, and 1 Snack for each guest in your room.  The Table Service Meal can even be used for a ton of different Character Dining options, such as Chef Mickey's Buffet. 

Interested in a quote?  Give me a call or shoot me an email and I'll get back to you right away!  See my contact info to the right.

BTW, did you notice my latest work in progress-the Disney Helpful Hints page?  I'm adding new stuff to it EVERY DAY, so keep checking back for new Disney info!

Then let me help you put a group cruise together! 

BTW, a group is generally considered 8 or more staterooms on most cruise lines.

Why cruise with a group of family members, friends, co-workers, acquaintances, classmates, random people you met on the street, etc.? 

Everyone benefits:
-Receive special group pricing
-Generally every 16th person in the group sails FREE!  (based on 8 staterooms at double occupancy)
-Use group points towards onboard receptions, stateroom gift baskets/wine, or onboard credit (good for spa, beverages, etc.).

Best of all, I can handle ALL of the details for you.  Recommending the best cruise line, ship, and destination for your group, organizing deposits & payments, finding unique & discounted shore excursions, dealing with your cousin Bob so YOU don't have to...

Cruises have something for everyone, so they are great for multi-generational gatherings like family reunions.  But what about a bachelorette party cruise (think of all that quality spa time you could get with your onboard credit!) or a destination wedding cruise (get married on or off the ship for far less than a land-based wedding!).  The possibilities are endless.

Great marketing job, Disney Cruise Line.  Your first new ship in 11 years, the Disney Dream, doesn't set sail until January 2011 and you keep releasing these delightful little tidbits to keep us intrigued and wanting more.

If you have a 30", HD virtual porthole in your Inside Stateroom, expect to have real-time outside views AND catch a glimpse of Mickey, the balloon house from the movie Up, and Finding Nemo's Peach the starish popping in!  These staterooms are actually selling out faster than Oceanview Staterooms and I want one too!

Some may find this shocking, but sometimes parents want to occasionally spend time away from their children while on vacation.  It happens (frequently to me...).  And you may think a Disney ship is one of the LAST places you might find such a kid-free oasis.  Thoughtfully, Disney has provided multiple places to escape Disney on the Dream.  For example, Skyline is an adults-only cocktail bar featuring views of some of the world's most amazing skylines (think Tokyo, Paris, & London) on 'window' screens.  One moment you're looking over the Eiffel Tower, the next you're in Hong Kong! 

Ah, but what to DO with the kiddos while you're sipping champagne in Paris?  As it turns out, the kids will be even more interested in ditching YOU for the Oceaneer's Club, where they can play in Andy's Room from Toy Story, study at the Monster's Academy, or chat with a virtual Crush from Finding Nemo. 

True, the Dream isn't finished yet, but don't let that stop you from booking a stateroom through me now.  It will be taking over the Wonder's route in the Bahamas on 3, 4, or a new 5 night (2 stops at Castaway Cay!) cruise. Interested in how much this adventure would cost you?  Give me a call or shoot me an email and I can let you know!

There is more than just Disney to enjoy in Orlando!  Beginning this spring, you'll be able to visit the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at the Universal Orlando Resort. 

And pssst...I have an exclusive vacation package to offer you.  This package includes hotel accommodations and admissions to BOTH Universal Orlando theme parks (Islands of Adventure & Universal Studios Florida, in addition to some cool perks:

--Early park admission to experience the Wizarding World of Harry Potter
--Traditional British breakfast at the Three Broomsticks, the signature eating establishment within the Wizarding World of Harry Potter
--Universal Express ride access to select attractions & shows, allowing you to skip regular lines ALL DAY!

A 4-night Wizarding World of Harry Potter vacation package at a Universal Partner hotel starts at $285 per adult.  Children ages 3-9 are just $130. 

A 4-night vacation package at an on-site Universal hotel starts at $645 per adult.  Children ages 3-9 are $130. 

Both packages include 3 nights of accommodations, 3 days Base Park admission to both Universal Parks (like Disney's Base Park Ticket, you may hit one park per day), AND the cool perks mentioned above!

Book now for travel between 5/28/10-12/31/10.

Contact me for more information or to book!

 

The great news: people are busy traveling again and cruise industry sales are WAY up compared to recent years! 

The not-so-good news:  cruise prices are going UP very shortly because of the increase in sales!  Carnival has announced their summer sailing prices will be increasing effective March 22nd, 2010.  And, Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) just followed suit with an announcement that their fares will be going up a whopping 7% on April 2nd, 2010! 

So, what does this mean for YOU?  If you're even considering setting sail this year, drop me a line and I'll get you a quote ASAP before these increases take effect!  Remember, it doesn't cost you a thing to have me take a look and the price of a nearly all-inclusive (usually just excluding alcoholic beverages) cruise may just pleasantly surprise you!  For instance, Princess has 7-day Summer 2010 Caribbean sailings starting from just $499 per person.

This is looking like a popular trend, so I don't think we've seen the last of these price increases...

Photo:  The new Carnival Dream's waterslide

Just as a Walt Disney World or Disneyland vacation is unlike any other family vacation, a cruise aboard the Disney Wonder is a unique experience with something for everyone in the family!

More 'Steamboat Willie' than 'Mickey Mouse Clubhouse' in ambience (think classic Disney), our family of 4 couldn't have had a more amazing experience aboard the Disney Wonder.  Our 4-night Bahamian Cruise out of Port Canaveral, FL (about 45 minutes from MCO) took us to Nassau and Castaway Cay, Disney's own private island reserved exclusively for Disney cruisers. 

Why we had happy kids (ages 2 & 4):
-'Bye, Mom & Dad!':  organized activities, character interaction, computer games, & climbing equipment in the Oceaneer's Club & Lab (included in your cruise price! ages 3+)
-Flounder's Nursery with care & activities for ages 0-2 ($6/hr)
-Scuttle's Cove on Castaway Cay-organized outdoor activities for ages 3+
-Mickey-shaped ketchup poured on your plate & waffles
-Ahoy there, princesses! (Belle, Cinderella, Snow White, & Tiana (Princess & the Frog)
-It actually SNOWED in the theater during the performance of Disney Dreams!
-Free self-serve ice cream!

Why we had happy parents:
-See everything under 'happy kids' :)
-The adults-only Cove Pool & Cafe area
-The adults-only gourmet restaurant, Palo
-The adults-only beach & spa treatments on Castaway Cay
-Service:  ask & you shall receive!
-Free 24-hour room service (the cheese, fruit & cracker plate is particularly great for late-night cravings!)
-The fact that Disney somehow managed to serve us a 2 hour, 4-course meal every night AND keep our kids happy at the same time?!  

In upcoming blogs, I'll be sharing more details about our cruise, including entertainment, dining, accommodations and all about Castaway Cay.  Browse my MANY photos by clicking here or the photo above! 

This is also a special year for the Disney Wonder, as she will be saying goodbye to the Bahamas and hello to Disney's new-for-2011 Alaskan itinerary!  The new Disney Dream will be taking over the Bahamas itinerary in 2011. 

My next stop? A 4-night Bahamian Cruise on the Disney Wonder, January 24-28 with my husband and our two kids!

Just like a vacation at any of the Disney Parks, cruising with the Disney Cruise Line is a different kind of experience.  Here are some of the reasons we chose to cruise with The Mouse:

--Lots of Disney character experiences-they are everywhere, both onboard & even on Disney's private island, Castaway Cay!  Mickey, Minnie, Daisy, Donald, Goofy, Pluto, and the Princesses all make appearances at the onboard parties, in the shows, and even at special Meet & Greets (photo opps, naturally!).  On 7-night cruises, they offer Character Breakfasts as well.  And all of your entertainment, including a Pirates IN the Caribbean party (don't forget to pack your pirate gear!) and different Disney show each night, is included in your cruise price.

--All of your meals & most beverages, including 24-hour room service, are included!  Did you know that many cruise lines charge for soft drinks?  Not on a Disney cruise. Everything but alcoholic beverages is included.  Also, Disney has 3 unique dining rooms that you rotate to each night of your cruise or you have the wonderful opportunity to dine without the kids in their luxurious, ADULTS-ONLY Palo restaurant. 

--Need time away from the kids?  Not a problem on a Disney ship (or on Castaway Cay).  The Oceaneer's Club (onboard) or Scuttle's Cove (Castaway Cay) for ages 3+ is also FREE OF CHARGE!  This is not just babysitting, either--kids can choose from a computer lab, dress-up, a reading area, a dance floor, movies, arts & crafts, and more at each & every visit! I know my 4 year old, William, is going to freak out when he sees this place...

--KIDS 0-17 SAIL FREE!  Why are we cruising in January?  Thanks to a Disney promotion, we saved around $700!  Kids 0-17 sail FREE on most 3 & 4-night Bahamian Cruises from January-April.  They frequently run this promotion for the Mediterranean cruises as well. 

I promise to have all sorts of helpful hints, photos, & more when I return--so stay tuned to find out what a Fish Extender is and why you might need one (and why I'll be frantically making one this week)... ;)

Spring & Summer vacations will be here before you know it!  Have you been thinking of where YOU would like to go?  Looking for something or someplace different or have a treasured spot you'd like to return to?  Let's talk--I really enjoy doing research for my clients (and remember, it doesn't cost you a thing!).  And, I work within YOUR budget! 

Here is just a sampling of the interesting adventures I'm planning for others:

I simply HAVE to start off by apologizing for the quality of the pictures in the Photo Gallery for this one!  Important lesson learned-don't leave your digital camera at home!  A $50 replacement digital camera from Walgreen's-well, let's just say that you definitely get what you pay for!  :) I suspect that a disposable camera might have given us better quality... 

We didn't make it to all the holiday festivities in Chicago BEFORE Christmas, so we took advantage of the time in between Christmas & New Year's (when the holiday festivities are still going strong, but about to wrap up!) to spend 2 nights in the Windy City! 

Waiting until the last-minute (literally the day before!) you travel can be rewarding-we paid $104.00 a night for a 1-bedroom suite with 2 double beds at the Comfort Inn Suites Downtown Chicago at 15 E. Ohio.  We chose a suite so we didn't have to go to bed at the same time as our 2 & 4 year old!  :) 

Some great benefits to staying at this hotel (other than the incredible price in downtown Chicago!!!):

We did a LOT over 3 jam-packed days in Chicago.  I think I feel comfortable saying good-bye to the holidays now... :)  Day 1 we hit the Museum of Science & Industry to see the Christmas Trees from Around the World (we have a membership and it is well worth it to not have to stand in line!).  Apparently this is one of the museum's busiest weeks of the year!  The evening of Day 1 was spent trying to get our 2 year old daughter, Victoria, to sleep.  Or stay in bed.  Or stop screaming.  Lather, rinse, repeat for a few hours...

Day 2 was all about Navy Pier's Winter WonderFest and trust me, you need to have a very patient, very long day to devote to that particular event!  We stood in line probably an average of 20-30 minutes (sometimes more, occasionally less!) for each ride (carousel, slide, train, ferris wheels)--thankfully everything was inside.  Activity wrist bands were $16.00 per person (adults or kids), but we had a coupon from their website for $13.00 per person (too bad the coupon never made it out of the van... ;)  ).  For another $3.00 per person, you can stand in line to ice skate too!  We finished off the day with a (free) trolley ride back to the hotel and dinner at the nearby Rainforest Cafe.

Day 3 wrapped up our Chicago Holiday Adventure with a trip to the Shedd Aquarium, where we also have a membership (do you see a trend here?).  If you haven't been to the Shedd recently, the renovations made to their dolphin & beluga show (Fantasea) and lower level with the Polar Play Zone for the kids are really amazing!  We always bring our lunch and eat downstairs by the belugas & dolphins to save some money and more waiting in line.

I can help your family plan even a quick local getaway--but sadly, I can't offer much advice on getting a 2-year old to sleep...

I hope you all had a wonderful holiday!  Our family certainly did, but we are ready to get the heck out of the house for a quick Chicago getaway before New Year's.  We're going to hit Navy Pier's Winter WonderFest and the Museum of Science & Industry's Christmas Around the World.  Remember, I can help YOUR family with accommodations & more for a quick getaway such as this too!

Over the holidays, I learned that my Mom has been VERY busy delving into our family's genealogy in Hungary and Romania.  She even put together some lessons learned/helpful hints for all of you who might be interested in researching your family's history-thanks, Mom! :)  Be sure to check out your local public library for assistance as well, as many of them offer classes. 

Now that the 'homework' is almost done, I am helping my Mom plan a Fall 2010 adventure to Hungary to visit many of the locations she's researched!  In fact, word has spread and she now has 2 or 3 other family members interested in joining her!  I'll be helping with accommodations, airfare, rail passes (more economical than renting a car and in some cases, 2-5 people can travel on ONE pass!), and excursions. 

But Mom, if you're really determined to go horseback riding in the Great Hungarian Plain, I might just have to come with you... :)